My hope and prayer is that through the process of the Diocesan Assembly, the Diocese of Amarillo would grow in its understanding of what it means to be a local Church in communion with the Universal Catholic Church.

The Acts of the Apostles gives us this guide, “They were of one mind and heart.” Acts also gives us the pattern of Catholic Christian Community: “They remained faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, the Community Life, the Prayers and the Breaking of the Bread.” I also hope that we would realize more clearly and practically, the importance of the Church for salvation. Isaac of Stella put it this way: “Christ is not complete without the Church, nor is the church complete without Christ.” Of special concern are our youth, the un-churched and recent migrants to our area.

To accomplish this let us implore the Holy Spirit, the Soul of the Church, to guide this process to underline the importance of Evangelization, ongoing Catechesis, Prayer and Worship and the Community Life of both the Parishes and the Diocese. “Come Holy Spirit! Enkindle within us the “Fire of your Life!” Help us to witness to the Marvelous Works of Christ in our lives.